SA vs Australia: Proteas out to stop Smith & Co.
South Africa will want to get back to the groove, when they face visiting Australia in the first Test at Durban tomorrow. Both teams come from Test series victories notched at home earlier. The Proteas will be keen to give a fitting farewell to Morne Morkel and will therefore look to up the authority. The Aussies serve as the perfect foil to stop them.
Vital factors leading to the Test
South Africa beat India 2-1 in their last Test assignment in January 2018. Aussies, on the other hand, inflicted a 4-0 victory over England in the Ashes. South Africa are 2nd in the ICC Test Rankings, while Australia have a chance to topple them if they win the four-match series 3-0 or better . Both teams have the desired firepower needed for victory.
Thin lines separate the two
Australia won the last Test series played in South Africa. They won the three-match series 2-1 in 2013-14. South Africa replied in an emphatic manner winning the next Test series in Australia by the same margin in 2016-17.
Morkel, Smith the focus
South Africa's Morne Morkel will be one of the star players to watch out for in the Test series. With 294 wickets in 83 Tests, Morkel has the chance to enter the famous 300-wicket club. Australia skipper Steve Smith's appetite for runs is a key factor. The world number 1 Test batsman floored England with 687 runs across seven innings in five Tests.
Where to watch the tie?
The first Test at Durban between the two sides will start at 1:30 pm IST. The telecast of the match will be on Sony Six and Sony Six HD. The match can also be watched live on SonyLiv.com
Records and stats
Australia have won 51 out of the 94 Tests against South Africa. South Africa have won just 23 Tests, with 20 being drawn. Australia's highest score: 652/7 in 2002. South Africa's highest score: 651 in 2009. Ricky Ponting 1997-2012: Highest run-getter (2,132). Shane Warne 1993-2006: Highest wickets (130).
